Jamie Brothwell

CRN: What's the most pressing issue preventing progress with diversity today that no one's talking about?

JB: "The lack of opportunities presented to diverse representatives for senior roles, the majority of CEO positions in our industry are still occupied by the old guard and it doesn't serve them to change whatever that might say… A believe the old saying is that change starts at the top. How many companies or leaders are prepared to reap what they sow."

CRN: How much progress do you believe the industry has made in diversity since you started working in IT?

JB: " I believe on the whole we have an amazing industry and the people I have encountered during my time are mostly amazing and supportive of me and my journey. I believe we have made positive strides in recent years with greater awareness however we still have a long way to go."

CRN: What should senior management teams be doing more of to help create a more inclusive industry for everyone?

JB: " I can only speak for our business and equally what we are trying to do with the CRN Diversity Advisory Board of which I am proud to be a part of. At Exertis we have a very diverse board in terms of gender, background and experience. Something I am very proud of in our journey over the decade I have spent in the business."

CRN: How did you first get into the IT industry?

JB: " I was recommended by a good friend, the same person who is now our commercial director. Loyalty is very important to me."

CRN: What have been some of your experiences (both good and bad) with how the channel has historically approached diversity?

JB: " My journey is widely known but very few people really know the story, I have incurred some horrendous experiences but I am a great believer that these situations make you what you are today and you and others around can learn from them."

"I work incredibly hard to drive a positive future and equally to ensure no one else ever has to feel how I did and I take the positives out of the challenges which makes the victory is even greater and that is what makes me so proud of our business and the culture we have created at Exertis. I am very grateful to work for an organisation that gives autonomy to staff at all levels to do the right thing, this has led to amazing initiatives such as Pride Celebrations, Black History Month and EmpowHer to mention a few and further underpinned by Education and our Employee Resource Groups."

CRN: Who have been your biggest role models in your professional life, and how have they helped you to succeed?

JB: "One person that stands out to me would be Peter Kelly the founder of Softcat, I was always encouraged by his unique approach, fancy dress at awards and his generosity to staff. For me a legend and someone who gave me inspiration that you can be different, eccentric and succeed in this industry. But I would like to call out Tim Griffin, Jo Lawerence and Vish Chhatralia who have been instrumental in the change management and transformation of the Exertis business in recent years. We wouldn't be where we are without them."

CRN: Do you think companies should be compelled to publish ‘ethnicity pay gap' data?

JB: " I believe that we should have key principles in place where everyone regardless of their gender, sexually, race or religion should be treated fairly and respectfully. If we employ these principles we won't for far wrong."

CRN: Has it always been easy for you to be open about your identity in the workplace?

JB: " I would say no, however it isn't just about me. It wasn't easy for anyone when I came out and it came as a shock to many people. I can honestly say it was really hard but it was also a catalyst for cultural change in our business and we grew up and learned together, I spent many years feeling ashamed of my situation but I am blessed to have worked through that and now use of position to help others and hopefully demonstrate that you can be your true self at work and still be successful."